The border, the economy and fair elections were on voters’ minds as they rallied for JD Vance in Tucson on Tuesday.

The Republican vice presidential candidate visited Tucson on Oct. 22. It was his second time in town this month. 

“The results of the last four years speak for themselves. I think we should have a more responsible government,” said Jon Lee, an independent voter who went to hear Vance make the case for Trump.

“Trump is far from perfect,” Lee said, “but he’s better than the other option.”

Vance spoke at the Pima County Fairgrounds in a large warehouse with about 600 attendees. Two Border Patrol agents, both leaders in the National Border Patrol Council, spoke at the event. 

In the last month, Tucson has had visits from Donald Trump, Doug Emhoff, JD Vance, Tim Walz, Barack Obama, and others representing the two campaigns. Each side is vying for the 11 electoral college votes that Arizona represents, which could make the difference in a razor-thin race. 

The latest polling shows the candidates as “essentially tied,” polling close enough to each other that they’re within the margin of error. In Arizona, the most recent polls show Trump edging Harris by a couple points.

Steve Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who serves as the House Majority Leader, fired up the crowd before Vance took the stage. He asked, “How could anybody still be on the fence?”

Gina Swoboda, chair of the Arizona Republican Party, who also spoke to the crowd before Vance, focused her message on getting out the vote. She pushed not just the presidential race, but also for down-ballot races. “You with the red hat and the good style,” Swoboda said, pointing at a woman in the crowd, “you’re in charge of getting out the vote for LD 17.”

In Legislative District 17, the state senate seat is up for grabs because incumbent Republican Justine Wadsack lost in the primary. Vince Leach, a Republican, and John McLean, a Democrat, are running. Besides being a battleground state in the presidential race, Arizona is one of six states where control of a state House or state Senate is in play, according to the Associated Press.

The dais was decorated in military-style camouflage shade netting, which was also the backdrop for the large American flag behind the stage. 

During his remarks, Vance took multiple swings at Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, repeatedly saying that she was for “open borders,” saying she has been dealt “softball interviews” and “can’t hit a softball.”

Audience members called out “Jesus is Lord!” and “I love you JD” and twice began chanting “JD, JD, JD”

Vance said he had the “easiest job in American politics.” 

“All I’ve got to do is remind the American people that Donald Trump was the president of peace and prosperity.”

At the end of his remarks, Vance took questions from the local press. The biggest applause line was when a local reporter mentioned Trump’s proposed “mass deportation” plan. Arizona Luminaria asked Vance what such a plan would include, if family separations were being considered again and if a future Trump administration would end the refugee program.

Vance said that there were “multiple different refugee programs, and the problem is that Kamala Harris has granted mass asylum and mass parole.” The Biden administration has severely limited access to asylum in recent months. 

Vance added that the asylum case of “a guy who worked with American troops and is a good person and properly vetted” could be “handled on a case-by-case basis.”

“The true family separation policy is Kamala Harris’s open border and Donald Trump is going to change that,” he said.

To assess the state of mind of voters, just two weeks away from election day, Arizona Luminaria talked with a dozen people attending the Vance rally. 

Louie Nuñez, 74, stood in the shade outside the Pima County Fairgrounds building where Vance is set to speak in a couple hours. Between bites of trail mix he packed in a ziplock bag, he spoke with Arizona Luminaria.

Question: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

Answer: “The border. I see what’s happening to take away resources from Americans. I’ve heard of how veterans are pulled out of homeless shelters.” Asked if it’s affecting him personally, Nuñez said, “It’s affected my attitude.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “You know what? I want fairness. As far as being political, things are so damn extreme right now. I want fairness and equality for everyone. This whole thing, with hate here, hate there, we need to get rid of that crap.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “I tell you what. If people don’t know right now, they’ll probably have to flip a coin.”

Richard B., 55, from Casa Grande, said he and his wife are both small business owners and both independents. He owns a small trucking business and his wife is a therapist. He didn’t want to share his last name for fear of reprisals against their businesses.

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “Trump said he’d try to get trucker’s insurance down 10%. I want cheaper insurance and cheaper fuel.” He said that while diesel fuel costs are down now, they were up earlier during Biden’s term, and he’s confident Trump’s energy policies would keep the price lower than Harris would. 

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “I’m very religious, but independent. We vote independent but Trump’s policies align with who we are.” Richard added, “We love Vance, and we’ll deal with Trump.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “Straight talking points and a secure border.”

Iris Sapovits, 81, from Green Valley, spends her mornings reading emails and much of her days volunteering. She volunteers with White Elephant, the United Republicans 4 Arizona, and a host of other organizations. She said she takes Christmas cookies to Border Patrol agents at checkpoints in Southern Arizona. 

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “I love no taxes on social security, I don’t know that it’s feasible, and we should probably help the most needy first, but I think it’s a good idea.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “I was a Democrat for many years, I’m not proud to say that. And then Barack Obama made me see the light.” Sapovitz added, “We need business people running this country, not lawyers.” She said she’s worried “how my grandchildren would survive,” and that’s one of her primary political values. 

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “I just put gas in my car. I have to stay home some days because it’s too expensive. People need to look at their wallets on a daily basis, and that’s what is most convincing.” She added, “If we turn into a communist country, we won’t be able to afford anything.”

Andres, 11 years old, with his mother, Catrina Molina, were sitting on the bleachers stage right of where Vance spoke. Andres stepped up on to his tiptoes to reach the microphone behind the podium to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, which he delivered clearly and quickly. They live in Sierra Vista.

Andres told Arizona Luminaria that “it felt good” to miss a half-day of school to attend the rally.

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “Sticking to the basics with school,” Andres said. “Like no boys going to the girls bathroom.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “I pray,” Andres said, saying that he was feeling nervous. His mother added, “We want the freedom to own our religion and feel free to pray. We don’t want to be left out because we have faith.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “Trump stopping all illegals from going to the border.” Another issue Andres said would convince his classmates to support Trump would be “stopping boys from playing in girls’ sports.”

Jon Lee, 63, is originally from Connecticut but has been in Tucson for the last 10 years. He studied political science and economics and has worked in banking and trading for the last 40 years. “I’m a registered Independent,” Lee said, “and I’m extremely up to date on politics.”

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “It’s overwhelmingly obvious that homelessness and the drug epidemic have gone through the roof in recent years. I directly attribute it to policies out of Washington D.C,” Lee said.

“The Biden/Harris administration has been purposefully flooding millions of people into the country,” he said, adding that he estimates that 15% or less of the local homeless population is probably made up of recent border crossers. “If you could control the border, you have a few million less people here.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “Conservative. I’m fiscally conservative. The results of the last four years speak for themselves. I think we should have a more responsible government. Trump is far from perfect, but he’s better than the other option.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “Trump is tough as nails. If he was a little softer, a little more humorous, he might win a few more people over.” Lee added, “I don’t believe we will have a free and fair election.”

Anna Torres, 61, and her son Miguel Torres, 39, both said they love attending political rallies. “I like to participate, I like getting out the vote,” Anna Torres said.

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “Abortion,” Anna Torres said. “One word.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

“Republican,” Anna Torres said. “I love politics, it’s simple.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: Anna Torres said that Vance himself could convince undecided voters. “I like him, he’s really respectful, he gets to the point.”

Sisters Renee Tsaguris, 61 and Cynthia Tsaguris, 60, stood outside the venue after the event, both getting ready to have a cigarette. The sisters were born and raised in Tucson.

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “The border is a problem,” Renee said. “Americans want people to come here legally, but the border is wide open.” Asked if current border politics directly affected them, Cynthia said, “I don’t feel safe in Tucson anymore.” Renee added, “There’s a little nervousness.”

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “I’m conservative, but not way far off,” Renee said. “I’m for common sense.” She added that she worried that a Kamala Harris administration would crack down on free speech. “People want to live and let live.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “The problem is information, the mainstream media,” Renee said. She said she didn’t think the media was giving enough voters the chance to make up their own minds.

Tamara Parry, 70, and her husband Doug Parry, 84, are from the Tucson area. They were leaving the rally and felt positive about the upcoming election. 

Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?

A: “The economy, living expenses,” Tamara said. “The cost of living has gone up tremendously. How are we going to keep up?” “If he (Trump) could do what he did the first time, we’d be good,” Doug said.

Q: How would you describe your political values right now?

A: “We’re conservative constitutionalists,” Tamara said. “We can’t imagine we’re going to survive as a country unless we protect our borders.”

Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?

A: “We know people who are conservative like us, and they hate Trump,” Doug said.

“If they (voters) could listen to his heart instead of what comes out of his mouth,” Tamara offered.

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JD Vance returns to Tucson to rally Republicans and woo independents

by John Washington, AZ Luminaria
October 22, 2024

<h1>JD Vance returns to Tucson to rally Republicans and woo independents</h1> <p class="byline">by John Washington, AZ Luminaria <br />October 22, 2024</p> <p>The border, the economy and fair elections were on voters’ minds as they rallied for JD Vance in Tucson on Tuesday.</p> <p>The Republican vice presidential candidate visited Tucson on Oct. 22. It was his second time in town this month.&nbsp;</p> <p>“The results of the last four years speak for themselves. I think we should have a more responsible government,” said Jon Lee, an independent voter who went to hear Vance make the case for Trump.</p> <p>“Trump is far from perfect,” Lee said, “but he’s better than the other option.”</p> <p>Vance spoke at the Pima County Fairgrounds in a large warehouse with about 600 attendees. Two Border Patrol agents, both leaders in the National Border Patrol Council, spoke at the event.&nbsp;</p> <p>In the last month, Tucson has had visits from Donald Trump, Doug Emhoff, JD Vance, Tim Walz, Barack Obama, and others representing the two campaigns. Each side is vying for the 11 electoral college votes that Arizona represents, which could make the difference in a razor-thin race.&nbsp;</p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0519-e1738615270663-730x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29068" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A volunteer lowers at Trump 2024 flag following a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>The latest polling shows the candidates as “<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/21/upshot/trump-harris-polls-election.html">essentially tied</a>,” polling close enough to each other that they’re within the margin of error. In Arizona, the most recent polls show Trump edging Harris by a couple points.</p> <p>Steve Scalise, the Louisiana Republican who serves as the House Majority Leader, fired up the crowd before Vance took the stage. He asked, “How could anybody still be on the fence?”</p> <p>Gina Swoboda, chair of the Arizona Republican Party, who also spoke to the crowd before Vance, focused her message on getting out the vote. She pushed not just the presidential race, but also for down-ballot races. “You with the red hat and the good style,” Swoboda said, pointing at a woman in the crowd, “you’re in charge of getting out the vote for LD 17.”</p> <p>In Legislative District 17, the state senate seat is up for grabs because incumbent Republican Justine Wadsack lost in the primary. Vince Leach, a Republican, and John McLean, a Democrat, <a href="https://azluminaria.org/2024/10/10/arizona-2024-election-voter-guide/">are running</a>. Besides being a battleground state in the presidential race, Arizona is one of six states where control of a state House or state Senate is in play, according to the Associated Press.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2290-1024x623.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29078" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>The dais was decorated in military-style camouflage shade netting, which was also the backdrop for the large American flag behind the stage.&nbsp;</p> <p>During his remarks, Vance took multiple swings at Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, repeatedly saying that she was for “open borders,” saying she has been dealt “softball interviews” and “can’t hit a softball.”</p> <p>Audience members called out “Jesus is Lord!” and “I love you JD” and twice began chanting “JD, JD, JD”</p> <p>Vance said he had the “easiest job in American politics.”&nbsp;</p> <p>“All I’ve got to do is remind the American people that Donald Trump was the president of peace and prosperity.”</p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow" data-effect="slide"> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper-container"> <ul class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper"> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29072" data-id="29072" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2112.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Andres Molina, 11, speaks with a reporter before a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29063" data-id="29063" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0138.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29067" data-id="29067" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0394.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29066" data-id="29066" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0310.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A Trump-Vance rally attendee takes photos of the press on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29076" data-id="29076" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2142.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A rally attendee poses for a photo with his oversize MAGA hat at a Trump-Vance rally at at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29079" data-id="29079" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2382.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A Trump-Vance rally attendee decked out in a Donald Trump shirt and a button with a poof of yellow hair outside the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29082" data-id="29082" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9246.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A Trump-Vance rally attendee waits for vice presidential candidate JD Vance to speak at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29073" data-id="29073" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2115.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Andres Molina, 11, speaks with a reporter before a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29083" data-id="29083" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9327-1.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Art Del Cueto the head of the Border Patrol union speaks to a crowd of Trump-Vance rally attendees rally the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29084" data-id="29084" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9387.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Art Del Cueto the head of the Border Patrol union speaks to a crowd of Trump-Vance rally attendees rally the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29085" data-id="29085" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9500.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Rally attendees take a photo before vice presidential candidate JD Vance spoke at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29086" data-id="29086" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9562.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A rally attendee waves an Arizona flag before vice presidential candidate JD Vance spoke at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29087" data-id="29087" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9668.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">House Majority Leader Steve Scalise speaks at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29088" data-id="29088" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9746.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance waves to the crowd at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29089" data-id="29089" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9791.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29090" data-id="29090" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF9976.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A Trump-Vance rally attendee takes video of the JD Vance at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29091" data-id="29091" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2441.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">A vendor sells Trump-Vance merchandise following a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29071" data-id="29071" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2064.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Iris Sapovits, 81, speaks with a reporter at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29081" data-id="29081" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2427.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Tamara Parry, 70, and her husband Doug Parry, 84, pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29078" data-id="29078" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2290.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29077" data-id="29077" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2157.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Anna Torres, 61 speaks with a reporter at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29074" data-id="29074" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2122.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Andres, 11 years old, with his mother, Catrina Molina pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29064" data-id="29064" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0151.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29065" data-id="29065" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF0241.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Vice presidential candidate JD Vance speaks at a rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> <li class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide"> <figure><img alt="" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-29080" data-id="29080" src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2415.jpg" /><figcaption class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption">Sisters Renee Tsaguris, 61 and Cynthia Tsaguris, 60 pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> </li> </ul> <p><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white" role="button"></a><a aria-label="Pause Slideshow" class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause" role="button"></a></p> <div class="wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white"></div> </div> </div> <p>At the end of his remarks, Vance took questions from the local press. The biggest applause line was when a local reporter mentioned Trump’s proposed “mass deportation” plan. Arizona Luminaria asked Vance what such a plan would include, if family separations were being considered again and if a future Trump administration would end the refugee program.</p> <p>Vance said that there were “multiple different refugee programs, and the problem is that Kamala Harris has granted mass asylum and mass parole.” The Biden administration has <a href="https://azluminaria.org/2024/06/04/new-federal-asylum-rules-and-pima-countys-funding-for-aid-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-latest-border-developments/">severely limited access to asylum</a> in recent months.&nbsp;</p> <p>Vance added that the asylum case of “a guy who worked with American troops and is a good person and properly vetted” could be “handled on a case-by-case basis.”</p> <p>“The true family separation policy is Kamala Harris’s open border and Donald Trump is going to change that,” he said.</p> <p>To assess the state of mind of voters, just two weeks away from election day, Arizona Luminaria talked with a dozen people attending the Vance rally.&nbsp;</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2045-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29069" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louie Nuñez, 74, poses for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Louie Nuñez, 74, stood in the shade outside the Pima County Fairgrounds building where Vance is set to speak in a couple hours. Between bites of trail mix he packed in a ziplock bag, he spoke with Arizona Luminaria.</p> <p><strong>Question: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>Answer: “The border. I see what’s happening to take away resources from Americans. I’ve heard of how veterans are pulled out of homeless shelters.” Asked if it’s affecting him personally, Nuñez said, “It’s affected my attitude.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “You know what? I want fairness. As far as being political, things are so damn extreme right now. I want fairness and equality for everyone. This whole thing, with hate here, hate there, we need to get rid of that crap.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “I tell you what. If people don’t know right now, they’ll probably have to flip a coin.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2053-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29070" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Richard B., 55, speaks with a reporter at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Richard B., 55, from Casa Grande, said he and his wife are both small business owners and both independents. He owns a small trucking business and his wife is a therapist. He didn’t want to share his last name for fear of reprisals against their businesses.</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “Trump said he’d try to get trucker’s insurance down 10%. I want cheaper insurance and cheaper fuel.” He said that while diesel fuel costs are down now, they were up earlier during Biden’s term, and he’s confident Trump’s energy policies would keep the price lower than Harris would.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “I’m very religious, but independent. We vote independent but Trump’s policies align with who we are.” Richard added, “We love Vance, and we’ll deal with Trump.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “Straight talking points and a secure border.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2064-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29071" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Iris Sapovits, 81, speaks with a reporter at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Iris Sapovits, 81, from Green Valley, spends her mornings reading emails and much of her days volunteering. She volunteers with White Elephant, the United Republicans 4 Arizona, and a host of other organizations. She said she takes Christmas cookies to Border Patrol agents at checkpoints in Southern Arizona.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “I love no taxes on social security, I don’t know that it’s feasible, and we should probably help the most needy first, but I think it’s a good idea.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “I was a Democrat for many years, I’m not proud to say that. And then Barack Obama made me see the light.” Sapovitz added, “We need business people running this country, not lawyers.” She said she’s worried “how my grandchildren would survive,” and that’s one of her primary political values.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “I just put gas in my car. I have to stay home some days because it’s too expensive. People need to look at their wallets on a daily basis, and that’s what is most convincing.” She added, “If we turn into a communist country, we won’t be able to afford anything.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2122-1024x725.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29074" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Andres, 11 years old, with his mother, Catrina Molina pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Andres, 11 years old, with his mother, Catrina Molina, were sitting on the bleachers stage right of where Vance spoke. Andres stepped up on to his tiptoes to reach the microphone behind the podium to lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, which he delivered clearly and quickly. They live in Sierra Vista.</p> <p>Andres told Arizona Luminaria that “it felt good” to miss a half-day of school to attend the rally.</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “Sticking to the basics with school,” Andres said. “Like no boys going to the girls bathroom.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “I pray,” Andres said, saying that he was feeling nervous. His mother added, “We want the freedom to own our religion and feel free to pray. We don’t want to be left out because we have faith.”</p> <p><strong>Q:</strong> <strong>What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “Trump stopping all illegals from going to the border.” Another issue Andres said would convince his classmates to support Trump would be “stopping boys from playing in girls’ sports.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2129-1024x693.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29075" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jon Lee poses for a photo amid a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Jon Lee, 63, is originally from Connecticut but has been in Tucson for the last 10 years. He studied political science and economics and has worked in banking and trading for the last 40 years. “I’m a registered Independent,” Lee said, “and I’m extremely up to date on politics.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “It’s overwhelmingly obvious that homelessness and the drug epidemic have gone through the roof in recent years. I directly attribute it to policies out of Washington D.C,” Lee said.</p> <p>“The Biden/Harris administration has been purposefully flooding millions of people into the country,” he said, adding that he estimates that 15% or less of the local homeless population is probably made up of recent border crossers. “If you could control the border, you have a few million less people here.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “Conservative. I’m fiscally conservative. The results of the last four years speak for themselves. I think we should have a more responsible government. Trump is far from perfect, but he’s better than the other option.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “Trump is tough as nails. If he was a little softer, a little more humorous, he might win a few more people over.” Lee added, “I don’t believe we will have a free and fair election.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2157-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29077" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anna Torres, 61 speaks with a reporter at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Anna Torres, 61, and her son Miguel Torres, 39, both said they love attending political rallies. “I like to participate, I like getting out the vote,” Anna Torres said.</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “Abortion,” Anna Torres said. “One word.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>“Republican,” Anna Torres said. “I love politics, it’s simple.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: Anna Torres said that Vance himself could convince undecided voters. “I like him, he’s really respectful, he gets to the point.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2415-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29080" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sisters Renee Tsaguris, 61 and Cynthia Tsaguris, 60 pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Sisters Renee Tsaguris, 61 and Cynthia Tsaguris, 60, stood outside the venue after the event, both getting ready to have a cigarette. The sisters were born and raised in Tucson.</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “The border is a problem,” Renee said. “Americans want people to come here legally, but the border is wide open.” Asked if current border politics directly affected them, Cynthia said, “I don’t feel safe in Tucson anymore.” Renee added, “There’s a little nervousness.”</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “I’m conservative, but not way far off,” Renee said. “I’m for common sense.” She added that she worried that a Kamala Harris administration would crack down on free speech. “People want to live and let live.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “The problem is information, the mainstream media,” Renee said. She said she didn’t think the media was giving enough voters the chance to make up their own minds.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/DSCF2427-1024x721.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29081" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tamara Parry, 70, and her husband Doug Parry, 84, pose for a photo at a Trump-Vance rally at the Pima County Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, 2024. Photo by Michael McKisson.</figcaption></figure> <p>Tamara Parry, 70, and her husband Doug Parry, 84, are from the Tucson area. They were leaving the rally and felt positive about the upcoming election.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Q: What policy proposal would most impact your life in the next four years?</strong></p> <p>A: “The economy, living expenses,” Tamara said. “The cost of living has gone up tremendously. How are we going to keep up?” “If he (Trump) could do what he did the first time, we’d be good,” Doug said.</p> <p><strong>Q: How would you describe your political values right now?</strong></p> <p>A: “We’re conservative constitutionalists,” Tamara said. “We can’t imagine we’re going to survive as a country unless we protect our borders.”</p> <p><strong>Q: What do you think it would take for your candidate to win over undecided voters?</strong></p> <p>A: “We know people who are conservative like us, and they hate Trump,” Doug said.</p> <p>“If they (voters) could listen to his heart instead of what comes out of his mouth,” Tamara offered.</p> <p>This &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://azluminaria.org/2024/10/22/jd-vance-returns-to-tucson-to-rally-republicans-and-woo-independents/&quot;&gt;article&lt;/a&gt; first appeared on &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://azluminaria.org&quot;&gt;AZ Luminaria&lt;/a&gt; and is republished here under a &lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/&quot;&gt;Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;img src=&quot;https://i0.wp.com/azluminaria.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cropped-L-square-Primary.jpg?resize=150%2C150&amp;amp;ssl=1&quot; style=&quot;width:1em;height:1em;margin-left:10px;&quot;&gt;&lt;img id=&quot;republication-tracker-tool-source&quot; src=&quot;https://azluminaria.org/?republication-pixel=true&amp;post=29092&amp;amp;ga4=291628854&quot; style=&quot;width:1px;height:1px;&quot;&gt;&lt;script&gt; PARSELY = { autotrack: false, onload: function() { PARSELY.beacon.trackPageView({ url: &quot;https://azluminaria.org/2024/10/22/jd-vance-returns-to-tucson-to-rally-republicans-and-woo-independents/&quot;, urlref: window.location.href }); } } &lt;/script&gt; &lt;script id=&quot;parsely-cfg&quot; src=&quot;//cdn.parsely.com/keys/azluminaria.org/p.js&quot;&gt;&lt;/script&gt;</p> Copy to Clipboard

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